Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your May journey
In May, departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) is ideal for travelers seeking shoulder-season pricing and pleasant spring weather in Chicago. Popular nearby destinations and pickup points include downtown Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit and Minneapolis for connecting travelers. Book at least 6–12 weeks ahead, compare one-stop routings via London, Frankfurt or Doha, and consider mid-week departures to lower fare costs. Pack layers for May weather in Chicago and confirm your international documents before leaving. Check flights now and lock in competitive rates for ORD to JNBA travel.
Typical itineraries from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) in May take about 16 to 22 hours total travel time when including one stop; actual airborne time is usually 15–17 hours depending on routing. Most flights route via European or Middle Eastern hubs (e.g., London, Frankfurt, Doha) or U.S. gateways, so allow extra time for layovers and customs on arrival. Book early to secure favorable connection times and shorter layovers.
There are generally no nonstop scheduled flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA); most itineraries require at least one connection. In May, carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and United typically offer one-stop or two-stop routings via hubs such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Doha, or Newark. Use flight search tools and flexible dates to compare connection times and prices.
Before an international May departure from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), allow at least three hours for check-in and security and consider using the Chicago Transit Authority (Blue Line), ride-share services, airport shuttles, or express parking at ORD. May weather is typically mild in Chicago but can be variable — check for late-spring traffic and construction closures along I-90/I-94. For international flights, arrive early to clear TSA, airline check-in, and any baggage requirements smoothly.
To find cheap ORD to JNBA flights in May, compare flexible-date search windows, set fare alerts, and check mid-week departures for lower prices; booking 6–12 weeks in advance often yields the best fares. Use meta-search engines, check airline sales from United, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and South African Airways, and consider one-stop routings for significant savings. Sign up for price alerts and bundle hotel or car packages to reduce total trip cost.
As of May, most routine COVID-19 travel restrictions have eased, but entry requirements can change — check South African government and airline guidance before departure from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond intended stay, verify visa requirements for U.S. citizens (often visa-free for short stays), and check for any vaccination or health screening updates. Always confirm with your airline and official government sources close to travel.
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), travelers can use the CTA Blue Line, airport shuttle services, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and rental cars to reach downtown Chicago. In May, transit is generally fast and reliable, though allow extra time for rush hour. If you plan to stay overnight near ORD prior to an international flight, many airport hotels offer shuttle service and secure parking packages.
Arriving at Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) in May offers comfortable temperatures and excellent access to both urban attractions (Sandton, Pretoria) and nature escapes (Kruger National Park, nearby reserves). O.R. Tambo is the primary international gateway with efficient Gautrain connections to Sandton and Pretoria; Lanseria serves regional and budget carriers for onward domestic travel. Expect shorter travel queues compared with peak months, but always have local currency and pre-arranged transfers for smoother connections. Book domestic seats and shuttles early to secure the best May schedules and rates.
Arriving at Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) in May means you'll land during South Africa's autumn, with warm days and cooler evenings — ideal for sightseeing and safari travel. Plan for customs and immigration processing at major gateways like O.R. Tambo, and prepare local currency (South African Rand) or contactless payment options. If traveling onward to Pretoria, Sandton, Cape Town or Kruger National Park, pre-book transfers or domestic flights to avoid delays.
Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) refers primarily to O.R. Tambo International Airport for international arrivals and Lanseria Airport for select regional flights; it also covers domestic hubs used for onward travel to Cape Town, Durban and Kruger. Most international travelers arrive at O.R. Tambo, where ground transport options include Gautrain, taxis, ride-share and pre-booked shuttles. Check your ticket and airline confirmation to verify your arrival airport.
May hosts a variety of cultural events across South Africa that visitors arriving at Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) can enjoy. Africa Day (May 25) features exhibitions and community celebrations in Johannesburg and Pretoria; many neighborhoods host markets and live music around Mother's Day (mid-May). Nearby Cape Town often runs autumn food and wine events, while Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer early-winter surf competitions and cultural festivals. For wildlife enthusiasts, the drier conditions in May improve sightings around Kruger National Park. Book tickets and local tours in advance during May to secure availability.
May is a favorable time to fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) because it sits in South Africa's shoulder season: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower fares than peak winter and summer months. For lowest prices and better seat availability, book 6–12 weeks in advance and aim for mid-week departures. If your goal is wildlife viewing, May aligns well with Kruger National Park’s drier season, improving game sighting opportunities. Consider arriving mid-week to take advantage of reduced rates on accommodation and tours.
Since nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) is rare or unavailable, most travelers will choose one-stop or two-stop connections. Pros of connecting flights include lower fares and more routing options via London, Frankfurt, Doha or Amsterdam; cons include longer total travel time and potential for missed connections. In May, prioritize itineraries with reasonable layovers (2–4 hours for international transfers) and reputable carriers to minimize disruptions. If time is critical, select connections with shorter total journey times even if slightly more expensive.
Major carriers commonly used between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) include British Airways (one-stop via London), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Qatar Airways (via Doha), KLM (via Amsterdam), and United (via U.S. or European hubs). British Airways often provides convenient overnight schedules with competitive business-class fares; Lufthansa and KLM offer consistent transatlantic connections and solid lounge access in Europe. Qatar Airways provides high service levels through Doha and may offer competitive shoulder-season pricing in May. When comparing, factor in baggage allowances, change fees, on-time performance, and total journey time. Use sample searches and check alliance partners for through-checked baggage and coordinated transfers.
Pack layers for Johannesburg in May: daytime temperatures are often warm (20–25°C / 68–77°F) with cooler evenings; include a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes. If extending travel to Kruger National Park, bring binoculars, neutral-colored clothing, and consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis depending on your itinerary. Exchange some USD for South African Rand (ZAR) before arrival or withdraw at ATMs in Johannesburg; notify your bank about international travel. At Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), allow three hours for international check-in and security, enable mobile boarding passes, and keep travel documents accessible for immigration at JNBA. Purchase travel insurance with medical and trip interruption coverage for peace of mind.
Estimated total travel time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA) in May usually ranges from 16 to 24 hours depending on connections. Airborne time (sum of sector durations) is commonly 15–17 hours; one-stop routings via London, Frankfurt, Doha, Amsterdam or Istanbul are frequent. Typical schedules include evening departures from ORD with overnight transits and daytime arrivals in Johannesburg; use flexible date searches to find optimal layovers and shorter total journey times. Always verify real-time schedules since seasonal adjustments can affect availability in May.
To find cheap ORD to JNBA flights in May, use flexible-date searches and set alerts on multiple platforms (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak). Consider one-stop routings via European and Middle Eastern hubs for significant savings versus premium nonstop options. Booking 6–12 weeks in advance often yields the best balance of price and choice; mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and red-eye flights can reduce fares. Check airline flash sales from United, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar in early spring, and consider separate tickets for domestic legs if comfortable managing connections.
Starting from $5178
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $5342
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $5342
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $5343
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $5343
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Starting from $5343
Book your business class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your may trip.
Planning a trip from Chicago (ORD) to Johannesburg (Any) in may? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest business class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
In May, Johannesburg weather is generally mild but evenings can be cool; bring layers and sunscreen for daytime outings. Malaria risk is low in Johannesburg but may be present if you travel onward to northern KwaZulu-Natal or Kruger region — check malaria prophylaxis guidance before departure. Follow standard safety advice for urban travel, use licensed taxis or Gautrain for city transfers, and verify vaccinations and travel insurance prior to arrival.
From Johannesburg (All Airports) (JNBA), domestic flights to Cape Town and Durban run frequently from O.R. Tambo and Lanseria; airlines include South African Airways, British Airways (domestic partner), and local carriers like FlySafair and CemAir. For Kruger National Park, domestic flights connect to Nelspruit (MQP) or Hoedspruit (HDS) with onward transfers. Alternatively, rental cars and private transfers are common for regional trips. Book domestic legs early in May to secure best schedules.
May is shoulder season in South Africa and often offers favorable airfare and accommodation deals; look for May sales and mid-week discounts. Local events around Africa Day (May 25) and Mother's Day create activity in Johannesburg, while nearby destinations like Cape Town and Durban may host cultural festivals and food markets. Use these events to plan enriched itineraries and book tickets in advance for high-demand experiences.
